84--Market investigation to identify commercially available helmets that approach meeting, meet or exceed Advanced Maritime Mobility Crewmember Helmet (AMMCH) requirements.

The United States Special Operations Command Program Manager, Special Operations Forces Survival Support and Equipment Systems (PM SOF-SSES) at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), is conducting a market investigation on the behalf of the Naval Special Warfare Command to identify commercially available helmets that approach meeting, meet or exceed Advanced Maritime Mobility Crewmember Helmet (AMMCH) requirements. This helmet is intended to be utilized by open ocean boat drivers and their crew. This helmet, and its user, will be subjected to significant vibration and shock over extended periods of time. The helmet, and its user, will also be subjected to various extremes of temperature and exposure to sea water spray and splashes. The AMMCH helmet requirements consist of, but are not limited to the following (the requirements are listed in relative order of importance): Weight: Keep the helmet system as light as possible while still meeting other desired features. Comfort: Users will be required to wear the helmet for long periods of time under various environmental conditions. Stability: Must offer excellent stability while maintaining comfort when worn with Night Vision Devices (mounted to helmet). Communications: It is desired to have the communications capability integrated into the helmet system. Other desired features include: 1. noise cancellation capability. 2. Noise localization capability. 3. Compatible with existing platform system. 4. Wireless to allow operator freedom of movement on the platform. 5. All components must have water proof features to ensure operation during wet conditions, i.e., rain, splashing, submerged for short periods (30 seconds). 6. Components easily accessible for repair and replacement. Penetration Resistance: Helmet must offer some level of resistance to penetration. Bump Protection: Helmet must offer some level of bump protection. Quick Drying: Helmet should maximize use of hydrophobic materials to maximize the ability of the helmet to quickly dry. Components may be removable to improve dry time. Compatibility: Helmet shall be compatible with and capable of securely mounting Night Vision Devices, operate with protective eyewear, etc. Low Profile: Helmet should maintain as low a profile as practical while still meeting as many requirements as possible. Helmet design should maximize peripheral vision, side to side and up - down. It is expected that the helmet geometry will approximate a shell type. Environmental: Helmet should be capable of maintaining function and performance under various military environmental extremes. Multiple Sizes: Multiple sizes are desirable to maximize comfort and stability. Mandible Protection: It is desired to have the capability to have a modular, removable mandible protection. The mandible shall minimize the impact on peripheral vision. Head and Neck Support: It is desired to have the ability to provide fore and aft head restraint to minimize torque on head during prolonged shock and vibration environment. If this feature is incorporated it must be quickly removable and not be too cumbersome to the operator such that it prevents the conduct of his mission. It is desired that this feature not require the user to be physically connected to the boat and must allow the user freedom of movement on the platform. Optional Accessories: May provide the ability to mount lights. Interested sources must, within 30 days, of the publication of this RFI, respond with information on their product/technology. At minimum sources shall provide the following: 1. Identification of the company, location, point of contact, notification of business size and special status. 2. Detailed description of proposed product or technology. 3. Relevant technical information, i.e., specifications, qualifications, illustrations, photos, drawings, videos, patents, etc. 4. Cost information. 5. Estimated days to deliver after receipt of purchase order. 6. If a firm chooses to submit samples they must pre-coordinate the shipment with the POC below. No payment will be made by the Government for such samples, and the samples will be returned at each company's request and each company desiring to submit or have a sample returned shall arrange for shipment at no cost to the Government. Any information submitted will be controlled and not be returned. When a respondent must include proprietary data in order to fully communicate their product/technology, the respondent must clearly mark and identify any proprietary data that the respondent intends to be used only by the Government for evaluation purposes. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Mr. John Roche, PM-SOF SSES, ATTN: RDNS-WPS, Bldg 4, Rm D017, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5019. Submitted information must be provided in both email and hard-copy (include electronic CD or DVD format). This notice is for market research only. Questions regarding this announcement shall be directed to John Roche at +1 (555) 000-0000 or emailed to contact@example.gov. The information received under this announcement may be used to purchase items for Government testing and/or prepare a solicitation package.